Client: Private

Overview

A functional Temazcal, or ceremonial sweat lodge built on a mountainside overlooking Volcán de Fuego, Acatenango and Volcán de Agua in Antigua, Guatemala. This large-scale work of art and architecture was conceptualized, designed and built over the course of a year, 2019 and completed in 2020.

Southard worked side by side with a team of Guatemalans learning how to work with concrete while she taught them metalworking. The front window, or what is known as The Eye of Vaho is built from shards of blown glass cast into resin. She reblew recycled glass bottles collected from the local bars in the city and cast this window in her glassblowing studio outside of Antigua, Guatemala.

This work is greatly inspired by Southards personal experiences while traveling around Guatemala, as well as the active landscape and architecture of the country. Vaho is a sanctuary built from intersecting concrete lines and curves where fire and water meet to create transformative experiences for people. Although this Temazcal is not designed traditionally its intention remains the same. It is a space for healing, meditation and ceremony.

Goals

To create a community space with both form and function for visitors to use and enjoy during their stay on the property.